Confessions of a Volcanologist: Tamsin Mather

Undercurrent Stories

Join us as we delve into the explosive world of volcanoes with one of the world's leading volcanologists, Prof. Tamsin Mather. As a professor of earth sciences at the University of Oxford and an atmospheric chemist, Tamsin's work has significantly advanced our understanding of volcanic activity. She shares fascinating insights into what volcanoes are, how they form, and the complex processes that lead to their eruptions. Tamsin also discusses her newly published book, *ADVENTURES IN VOLCANOLAND*, which explores what volcanoes reveal about our world and ourselves.

In our conversation, Tamsin recounts her unexpected journey into the field of volcanology, beginning with a childhood visit to Mount Vesuvius. She explains the intricate science behind volcanic eruptions, describing the role of magma, tectonic plates, and the various types of volcanic activity found across the globe. From the fiery eruptions of Mount Etna to the unique carbonate volcanoes of Tanzania, Tamsin provides a captivating look at the diverse phenomena that define volcanic landscapes. Her passion for combining fieldwork with scientific research shines through as she shares stories from her expeditions and the cutting-edge techniques used to study these powerful natural events.

Learn the critical role volcanoes play in shaping our planet and the ongoing research aimed at predicting eruptions and mitigating their impacts. Tamsin's expertise offers a unique perspective on the global effects of volcanic activity, including their influence on the environment and potential for providing essential resources. Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of our world, this episode promises to be an enlightening and engaging exploration of the dynamic forces beneath our feet.

About Prof. Tamsin Mather:
Tamsin Mather is a British volcanologist. She is Professor of Earth Sciences at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford and a Fellow of University College, Oxford. Tamsin was born and raised in Bristol, UK and has masters degrees in Chemistry and the History and Philosophy of Science from St John's College, University of Cambridge. She completed her PhD in 2004 on the ‘Near-source chemistry of tropospheric volcanic plumes’ in the Department of Earth Sciences also at the University of Cambridge. Before joining Oxford Tamsin was a NERC fellow at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin research fellow. She has won numerous awards for her scientific work including the Royal Society Rosalind Franklin Award and election to the Academia Europaea and as a Geochemistry Fellow. She regularly participates in events promoting the public understanding of science and TV, radio and podcasts, including the Infinite Monkey Cage on BBC Radio 4. Her debut non-fiction book ADVENTURES IN VOLCANOLAND is published by Abacus (UK) and Hanover Square Press (US) in 2024.
Prof. Tamsin Mather's links;
https://www.earth.ox.ac.uk/people/mather/
https://x.com/tamsinmather
Link to ADVENTURES IN VOLCANOLAND
Undercurrent Stories links:
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories
Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' Bob Wells © 2020
Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.com